The strong bond between Repsol and Carlos Sainz, and the straining of relations with Prodrive, saw the energy company and driver reset their objectives for 1996.
With Toyota suspended for a year and Mitsubishi experiencing difficulties in getting a budget together, the only viable option was a collaboration with Ford and their Escort Cosworth.
The car had experienced some brilliant moments, with important wins in the WRC Monte Carlo, Portugal, Corsica, Acropolis, 1000 Lakes etc. The potential was there, but other teams had developed more strongly.
Not much was expected of the new Ford–Repsol-Sainz trio in their first year together, and objectives were prudent, but the Sweden Rally showed that there was reason to be optimistic. Sainz took second in his opening runout with the Ford Escort Cosworth on the icy Swedish roads. There was a return to earth when the car lasted barely 100km at the Rally Safari.
Sainz and co–driver Luis Moya celebrated an unexpected win at the Indonesia Rally, in the third event of the season. It was a win down to skilled driving and the mistakes of rivals, but was a huge boost.
The Acropolis Rally at the start of June showed that the Ford was still lacking in some áreas when compared with the Subaru and Mitsubishi vehicles of Makinen and Colin McRae –who would continue to share victories as the season progressed. Sainz’ chances of another title practically evaporated at the 1000 Lakes, when he retired for the second time in the season.
From the end of August, when Makinen won on home soil, Sainz would have needed to win every remaining round. It was not to be, and with third in Australia Makinen was crowned champion.
